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en2013 Baseball Preview: Atlanta Braveshttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/2013-baseball-preview-atlanta-braves
<div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Main Header Image</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Despite the splash of the Upton acquisitions, the Braves will have a tough time challenging Washington for supremacy in the NL East, but their rotation and bullpen are strong and return largely intact.&lt;/p&gt;
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<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/38268-1/MedlenK__300.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 392px; margin: 4px; float: left;" />The Braves have endured their share of postseason frustration. They are 9–20 in playoff games since sweeping the NLDS in 2001 — but have managed to remain relevant through changing times in the tough NL East. Since its run of 11 straight division titles ended in 2006, Atlanta has had a winning record in five of seven seasons and made the playoffs in 2010 and ’12. If the Braves are going to threaten the Washington Nationals in 2013, they’ll do it behind a solid young pitching staff and the addition of the Upton brothers: center fielder B.J. via free agency and left fielder Justin via trade. They’ll also need either Freddie Freeman or Jason Heyward — or perhaps both — to take the next step offensively.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Rotation</strong></span> <br />
How shrewd did the Braves look last September, when Kris Medlen was the best thing going in the majors, and the Nationals had shut down ace Stephen Strasburg to rest his arm? Both were in their first full seasons after Tommy John surgery, and both were on about a 160-inning limit. But the Braves looked smart for pitching Medlen in relief the first half of the season — at least in the long run. Once Medlen joined the rotation on July 31, he went 9–0 with a 0.97 ERA in 12 starts. He enters 2013 as the staff ace, which is saying something for a pitcher with only 30 career starts. Tim Hudson, who has a 49–26 record over the last three seasons, is a solid No. 2 starter. His numbers were up a bit last year — with a 3.62 ERA (third-highest of his career) and 8.4 hits per nine innings (most since 2009) — but he still has several good seasons in his right arm. Brandon Beachy, the Braves’ best starter the first two to three months last season, aims to return <img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/38050-2/Braves+Statiscian.png" style="width: 350px; height: 200px; margin: 6px; float: right;" />from Tommy John surgery around the All-Star break. Paul Maholm, who was acquired at the trade deadline last year, and Mike Minor, who solidified a spot in the rotation with a dominant second half, give the Braves two quality lefty starters. Julio Teheran, considered a top prospect for a few years, finally has an opportunity to shine<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Bullpen</strong></span> <br />
In two seasons since taking over for Billy Wagner, Craig Kimbrel has emerged as the elite closer in the National League. He’s a big reason why the bullpen is one of the Braves’ strengths and among the best in baseball. After winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2011, Kimbrel finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting last year and was eighth in the NL MVP race. He’ll try to match John Smoltz as the second Atlanta closer to post three straight 40-save seasons, after collecting 46 and 42 saves, respectively, in his first two full big-league seasons. Jonny Venters, who struggled to find consistency with his patented sinker, wasn’t as effective in 2012 as he was the year before. But Eric O’Flaherty followed his breakout season of 2011 with another outstanding campaign. Luis Avilan was a sleeper of a find in Double-A, and the Braves added power righthander Jordan Walden from the Angels in a trade for Tommy Hanson. Manager Fredi Gonzalez kept his word not to overuse the back end of the bullpen like he admittedly did in ’11.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Middle Infield</strong></span> <br />
Dan Uggla knows no middle ground. In his first two seasons with the Braves, he’s endured long stretches of being either hot or frigid. He hit .185 over the final 99 games last season, though he did manage a more-than-respectable .298 clip with nine extra-base hits and 14 RBIs over the final 23 games. Uggla still finished with 19 home runs — well off his 31 per year average — but struck out 168 times. The Braves are excited to see what they’ll get in a full season from Andrelton Simmons, a 23-year-old shortstop who was taken in the second round of the 2010 draft. Simmons is an energetic defensive standout who contributed more offensively than the Braves anticipated. He hit .289 with 19 RBIs in 166 at-bats in 2012. Simmons is a candidate to bat in the leadoff spot.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Corners</strong></span> <br />
The Braves were aware that Chipper Jones’ departure would be problematic, but this offseason reinforced the difficulty of replacing him. The Braves’ original intent was to put Martin Prado at third base and acquire another left fielder and leadoff hitter. As it turned out, it took the trade of Prado to acquire their left fielder Justin Upton. In doing so the Braves acquired a platoon partner for Juan Francisco at third in Chris Johnson. Francisco remains a project, but he has huge power potential. The left-handed hitter needs to drop weight and eliminate extra rotation from his swing, but he took steps in that direction in winter ball in the Dominican. Given Jones’ departure, the Braves will also look to Freeman at first base for more offensive production. Freeman avoided a sophomore slump last season, hitting 23 home runs with 94 RBIs, but he needs to improve his .259 batting average.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Outfield</strong></span> <img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/38047-2/Braves+Difference+Maker.png" style="width: 350px; height: 130px; margin: 6px; float: right;" /><br />
The Braves love the combination of speed and power both Uptons bring, especially B.J. in center field, as well as their right-handed bats to balance their lineup. Many experts believe the Uptons and Heyward make up the best outfield in the National League. Outfield defense is certainly a team strength. Heyward won his first Gold Glove award in 2012, a big step in his progression as a young star. Offensively, Heyward made strides as well, rebounding from a rough sophomore season to hit a career-high 27 home runs, steal 21 bases and drive in 82 runs. Justin Upton played most of last season at Arizona with a deep bruise on his left thumb suffered on the first weekend of the season but still tied for second in the NL with 107 runs scored. With better health, he should improve on his 2012 totals of 17 homers and 67 RBIs, his lowest numbers in those two categories since 2008.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Catching</strong></span> <br />
Another injury-plagued season cost Brian McCann what would have been a sixth Silver Slugger in seven major league seasons. He was hampered by right shoulder and knee problems and underwent shoulder surgery over the winter. The Braves hope he needs only a week or two in April to get healthy and is soon back to being the perennial All-Star and one of the top offensive catchers in baseball. The Braves lost well-respected backup David Ross to free agency — he signed with the Red Sox — but they believe Gerald Laird will fill in nicely, bringing the experience of playing in back-to-back World Series with the Cardinals and Tigers.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Bench</strong></span> <br />
Re-signing Reed Johnson, the right-handed outfield bat the Braves added at last year’s trade deadline, gives the Braves a quality fourth outfielder. Johnson, who hit .270 in 43 games with the Braves last season, can play all three outfield spots, but isn’t expected to see much time. Jordan Schafer should also earn a roster spot. Paul Janish, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, or Ramiro Pena will back up at shortstop. Veteran minor leaguer Matt Pagnozzi will back up Laird until McCann returns.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Management</strong></span> <br />
The Braves stuck by Gonzalez after their September collapse in 2011 and saw the fruits of that decision when he led them to a berth in the Wild Card Game last fall. Gonzalez learned from previous mistakes: He didn’t overwork the back end of the bullpen, he wasn’t afraid to bench Uggla at times when the second baseman was struggling, and he worked Jones in and out of the lineup to keep him healthy. General manager Frank Wren bolstered the offense by acquiring the Uptons, but there is risk. B.J. and Justin strike out frequently and will join a lineup that lost its most disciplined hitter in Jones.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Final Analysis</strong></span> <br />
Despite the splash of the Upton acquisitions, the Braves will have a tough time challenging Washington for supremacy in the NL East, but their rotation and bullpen are strong and return largely intact. With Medlen starting all season, Beachy poised to return around the All-Star break, the Braves like their chances to return to the postseason.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Lineup</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>SS&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Andrelton Simmons (R)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Rocket-armed defender who showed he could hit too with a .289 average, three HRs in 49 games as a rookie.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RF &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Jason Heyward (L)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Career-high 27 HRs and 21 steals, making him first 20/20 Brave since Andruw Jones in 2000.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RF &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Justin Upton (R)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Tied for second in the NL with 107 runs despite playing most of the season with a damaged left thumb.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>1B &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Freddie Freeman (L)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Led the Braves in RBIs with 94 and second in homers with 23, but batting average fell from .282 to .259.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CF &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;B.J. Upton (R)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Had career-high 28 HRs, added 31 steals last season for Tampa; 160-plus strikeouts for third straight season.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>C &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Brian McCann (L)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Injury-plagued season saw career low in batting average (.230); 121 games were lowest total since 2005. Shoulder surgery<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>2B &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dan Uggla (R)</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Streak of five straight 30-plus-homer seasons ended with 19 home runs; hit career-low .220.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>3B&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Juan Francisco (L)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Hit nine HRs in only 192 ABs, and nine more in Dominican League. Power potential gets him starting shot.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Bench</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>C &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Gerald Laird (R)</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Hit .282 in 63 games for Detroit; will be No. 1 catcher in April as McCann recovers from shoulder surgery. Matt Pagnozzi will back up Laird.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>OF&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Reed Johnson (R)</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Led majors with 18 pinch hits and was second with .419 pinch-hit average; could win platoon role in left field.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>IF&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ramiro Pena (S)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Probably gets nod while Paul Janish recovers from shoulder surgery.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>3B&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Chris Johnson (R)</strong></span><br />
Acquired in the deal with Justin Upton, Johnson could be a valuable platoon partner at third with Francisco.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>OF&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Jordan Schafer (L)</strong></span><br />
Back for second tour with Braves.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Rotation</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kris Medlen</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
NL pitcher of month for August and September went 9–0 with a 0.97 ERA in 12 starts after moving into rotation.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Tim Hudson</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Put up 3.62 ERA despite coming off spine surgery and pitching through bone spurs in ankle.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LH&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Minor</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Came into his own in second half of last season, going 7–4 with 2.21 ERA over last 15 starts.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Paul Maholm</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Went 4–5 with 3.54 ERA in 11 starts as a Brave after midseason trade from Cubs.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Julio Teheran</strong></span><br />
Long considered a top prospect, with injury to Brandon Beachy and trade of Delgado, the path is cleared.<br />
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<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Bullpen</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Craig Kimbrel (Closer)</strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Converted 42 of 45 saves while posting 1.01 ERA with 116 strikeouts and 14 walks in 62.2 innings.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Eric O'Flaherty</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Allowed only four earned runs in 49 innings (0.73 ERA) in 55 appearances after May 2.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Jordan Walden</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Closer with Angels (32 saves, 2.98 ERA in 2011) acquired in Tommy Hanson trade. Fastball can touch 100 mph.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Jonny Venters</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
ERA jumped from 1.84 to 3.22, reflecting struggles with his sinker and midseason elbow soreness.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Luis Avilan&nbsp;</strong></span>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Surprise of the year in the bullpen, going 1–0 with 2.00 ERA in 31 games after July 4 call-up from Double-A.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cory Gearrin</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Side-armer guns for first regular job in majors; 1.80 ERA over 22 appearances with the Braves in 2012.<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>RH &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cristhian Martinez</strong></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Dependable long man with above-average change-up; went 5–4 with 3.91 ERA in 54 appearances in 2012.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/atlanta-braves">Atlanta Braves</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-65 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/dan-uggla">Dan Uggla</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/justin-upton">Justin Upton</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/bj-upton">B.J. Upton</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/freddie-freeman">Freddie Freeman</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/craig-kimbrel">Craig Kimbrel</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/tim-hudson">Tim Hudson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/brian-mccann">Brian McCann</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jason-heyward">Jason Heyward</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/mike-minor">Mike Minor</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/kris-medlen">Kris Medlen</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/julio-teheran">Julio Teheran</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/eric-oflaherty">Eric O&#039;Flaherty</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/andrelton-simmons">Andrelton Simmons</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/juan-francisco">Juan Francisco</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-63 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-divisions/nl-east">NL East</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-62 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB League:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-league/national-league">National League</a></div></div></div>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000Charlie Miller20637 at http://athlonsports.com